The Miami Hurricanes men's basketball program reload with portal talent, eyeing national contention after a historic turnaround. Can they ascend the rankings?
The Miami Hurricanes men’s basketball program looks to build off a historic 26-9 turnaround season. After reaching the NCAA Tournament for the first time since the 2023 Final Four run, coach Jai Lucas looks to build the team to compete among the best in the nation and to carve out a further run. Despite numerous departures, they acquired significant transfer portal talent, including point guard Acaden Lewis and center Somto Cyril.
In a Monday article published by ESPN, college basketball insider Jeff Borzello listed a “way-too-early” top-25 rankings list ahead of the 2026-27 season. The Hurricanes land at No. 21, fourth among Atlantic Coast Conference programs, behind the Duke Blue Devils, Louisville Cardinals, and Virginia Cavaliers.
“Jai Lucas did a fantastic job in year one at Miami and has a roster to be even better in 2026-27,” Borzello wrote. “Villanova transfer Acaden Lewis has high-level two-way ability at the point guard spot while Georgia transfer Somto Cyril is a rim-protection force up front. Shelton Henderson took a step in the second half of last season and should be an all-conference performer, while five-star forward Caleb Gaskins and Robert Morris transfer DeSean Goode add strength and physicality. The lone missing element at this point in the cycle might be consistent perimeter shooting.”
The Hurricanes finished the season ranked among the top 25 in the AP and USA Today polls. Despite falling short of reaching the Sweet 16, coach Lucas established a new winning culture and standard. He had the help of a few impactful seniors, such as guard Tre Donaldson, forward Malik Reneau, and center Ernest Udeh Jr., all of whom declared for the upcoming NBA Draft.
The retention of Henderson and guard Dante Allen was significant in roster construction for next season. Both were impactful freshmen, likely to inherit expanded roles.
Borzello mentioned that the only element currently missing is “consistent perimeter shooting.” The Hurricanes finished No. 130 in three-point percentage among Division I college basketball programs, 34.9 percent. They finished with the fourth-fewest shots made from behind the arc and the second-fewest in attempts in the ACC.
The program officially signed Robert Morris Colonials transfer and Horizon League Player of the Year DeSean Goode. He’s a 6-8 forward who shot 57.1 percent from three-point range last season. One player doesn’t solve everything, but it’s a start.
The Hurricanes still have four roster spots available and look to maximize each opportunity.
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